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After taking my wheel off recently, it looks like it might slide into the space between the wheel and the column, and depress the locking mechanism. -
^thanks, i'll give that a try tomorrow.Comment
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I just use a paperclip.Originally posted by Swanny View Post
I have about 3 bent paperclips in my toolbox for purposes exactly like this one.Comment
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Here's a video below showing that exact tool and how to use it. I had the same problem, my key refused to turn past position 1-so something in the barrel was broken and needed to be replaced.
As a temporary/emergency fix, I removed the bottom steering column cover, disconnected the orange ignition switch, and used a flat head screw driver to start the car. (There's relatively no chance of theft because you need the key to turn to position 1, unlocking the steering wheel). I actually thought it was funny, every time I had to make a brief stop somewhere-like the ATM, I'd leave the car running but take my keys with me thinking "if someone were to try and steal it, they can only go in a straight line" lmao. Some Bait Car material right there.
I tried for the life of me (for a solid hour or two) to remove the tumbler using a paper clip, a tiny allen wrench, a bobby pin, heavy gauge wire, a tiny nail, etc. and it wouldn't budge. The videos and forum members make it seem incredibly simple, but nothing worked for me-I think Danny had trouble with it too.
Anyways, I took it to my local BMW shop and he popped it out in about 30 seconds using this exact tool, no charge but I shot him a tip for the help. I personally couldn't justify buying one of these tools because it's kind of a "one time" repair. If you're in the automotive/repair industry, or can see yourself using it more than once, I'd pay the $40 and save yourself a headache...unless you have wizard skills like some members on here.
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^i went for 2 years with the same problem. i HATED driving the car cuz i couldnt use the key to start it.
the spring on the ignition switch popped out and it got left in "start" for way to long and burnt up the starter as i was teaching a girl to drive stick 100+ miles from home. i had to push start it to get home.
i swapped in a new starter, but was too lazy to put in the new switch, so a year later she was driving and the same thing happened, but not as long in "start". so my new started lasted another few months before giving up. but as soon as i got home i put in the new switch.
then i finally decided to just fucking do it. took me 5 minutes to get it out and see what was wrong. so i ended up just cutting the white plastic thing that pops out cuz it kept getting stuck. then found a way to get the mechanism permanently stuck in the right spot. all good now!sigpic
1987 - 325i Convertible Delphin Auto [SOLD], 325i Convertible Delphin Manual [SOLD]
1989 - 325i Convertible Bronzit m30b35 swapped [SCRAPPED], 325i Sedan Alpine Auto[DD]
1991 - 325i Coupe Laguna Manual [Project], 535i Sedan Alpine [SCRAPPED]Comment
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